Cooking something your dog will love or just having a small part of your food? It is essential to understand which of the spices and seasoning is safe to eat by a dog. Although we, as well as most of us, enjoy tasty food, dogs digest some herbs and spices in another way. There are those seasonings that are healthy in small portions and those that are quite dangerous.
In this guide, you will be taken through the safest spices and herbs that dogs can take and their health benefits, and the ones to avoid. Regardless of whether you are preparing dog food at home or treats, you can always know what to add to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Why Spices Matter in Your Dog’s Diet
Dogs do not require spices as humans do, although some natural herbs and seasonings would be welcome to add flavor and nutritional value to their food.
The right spices can:
- Support digestion
- Boost immunity
- Enhance oral and respiratory wellbeing
- Give anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
But since the systems of dogs are more sensitive, less is more. Even spices that are safe must be added in small, moderated quantities.
Spices and Herbs That Are Safe for Dogs
We shall consider some dog friendly seasonings which do not only taste good, they can also be healthy to your dog.
Turmeric
Why It's Good for Dogs:
One of the most popular super spices to both humans and dogs is turmeric. It has curcumin, which is a natural anti-inflammatory substance that is capable of alleviating joint pain, arthritis, and heart conditions.
Benefits:
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports brain function
- Boosts the immune system
- Arthritis, mobility assistance.
How to Use:
To supplement the food of small dogs, add a small pinch (approximately 1/8 teaspoon) of the food. To supplement the food of medium dogs, add 1/4 teaspoon. It can also be combined with coconut oil or a sprinkling of black pepper (to aid its uptake).
Ginger
Why It's Good for Dogs:
Ginger works well with dogs that have an unbalanced stomach or motion sickness. It may assist in the nausea, gas, and bloat.
Benefits:
- Aids digestion
- Reduces nausea and vomiting
- Inhibits inflammation and oxidation.
How to Use:
Fresh grated or powdered ginger in small portions should be used, however, not more than 1/8 teaspoonful to small dogs, or 1/2 teaspoonful to large dogs. Do not overuse because excessive intake leads to stomach upsets.
Cinnamon (In Small Amounts)
Why It's Good for Dogs:
With sparing use, cinnamon is good source of warmness and has a number of health benefits. It is capable of controlling blood sugar and heart health.
Benefits:
- Helps regulate blood sugar
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial
- Freshens breath.
How to Use:
Sprinkle a small pinch of Ceylon cinnamon (the safer one, not Cassia cinnamon) on the food of your dog. An excess of cinnamon can inflame the mouth of your dog or lead to liver problems and therefore moderation is the key.
Parsley
Why It's Good for Dogs:
Parsley is an herb that is full of nutrients and contains vitamins A, C, and K. It also has the reputation of making your dog breathe better and also helps in keeping the kidneys going.
Benefits:
- Freshens breath
- Supports urinary health
- Full of antioxidants and vitamins.
How to Use:
Peel fresh parsley in fine slices and sprinkle a portion of 1/2 teaspoon over the food of your dog. Do not use large doses, particularly in kidney disease dogs.
Basil
Why It's Good for Dogs:
Basil is dog safe and is full of antioxidants. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and prevents damage to cells.
Benefits:
- Fights free radicals
- Promotes the wellbeing of the immune system
- Reduces anxiety in some dogs.
How to Use:
You can add a pinch of fresh or dry basil to the food of your dog. It is an excellent method of providing homemade gifts with a refreshing taste.
Rosemary
Why It's Good for Dogs:
Dog food commonly can have Rosemary as a natural preservative. It promotes digestion and is an antioxidant.
Benefits:
- Supports digestion
- Boosts heart health
- Performs the role of a preservative.
How to Use:
Just add a minute pinch of dried rosemary to the food of your dog. Take care not to take excessive amounts because excessive amounts may lead to stomach discomfort or nervous system problems with delicate dogs.
Thyme
Why It's Good for Dogs:
Another anti-bacterial and fungal dog-safe herb is Thyme. It helps in the digestive and respiratory wellbeing.
Benefits:
- Enhances a good digestive system.
- Contains antioxidants
- Helps in the respiratory system.
How to Use:
Add a small pinch of dried thyme to the food of your dog. It goes particularly well with home cooked chicken or beef.
Oregano (In Moderation)
Why It's Good for Dogs:
Oregano is also antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Excess however, may lead to digestive problems and it is important to be moderate.
Benefits:
- Antibacterial agent that is natural.
- Helps combat yeast infections.
- Contains antioxidants
How to Use:
Spray food lightly (not more than 1/8 teaspoon on small dogs) on it. Essential oils should be avoided- use dried leaves of oregano or powder.
Spices and Seasonings to Avoid
Even though certain spices are healthy, most spices are toxic or harmful to dogs.
Avoid at all times the following:
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: This is very toxic and may lead to anemia.
Nutmeg: This ingredient is myristicin that may lead to hallucinations and tremors.
Salt: Excess sodium may result in dehydration or salt poisoning.
Paprika and Chili Powder: Burns the stomach and may lead to stomach problems.
Cocoa Powder: Theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs, is contained.
In case your dog has accidentally eaten such spices, then call your vet.
Tips for Safely Adding Spices to Your Dog’s Diet
Always Start Small: Add new herbs and spices slowly so as not to offend the stomach of your dog.
Use Fresh or Organic: Use high quality, chemical free herbs. Do not buy ones that contain added salt or fake flavors.
Avoid Essential Oils: Intense oils are much too powerful in dogs and might be deadly.
Consult Your Vet: Before you start to make such drastic changes to the diet of your dog, especially when your pup has pre-existing health problems.
Monitor Reactions: Vomiting, diarrhea, itch, or lethargy may be signs of an allergy or intolerance.
Fun Ways to Use Dog-Safe Spices
The following are some of the innovative methods of incorporating safe herbs and spices to the routine of your dog:
Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade dog biscuit dough can be given a healthy and delicious twist with a sprinkle of turmeric or parsley.
Golden Paste for Joint Health
Blend turmeric with coconut oil and black pepper to make a natural anti-inflammatory supplement (golden paste) to older dogs.
Herbal Sprinkle
Make your own combination of basil, parsley and thyme and sprinkle it on the kibble of your dog. It is a simple method of making meals more entertaining and healthier.
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